The Rush at the End of the Year!

It's really late, I know, but I just put in the garlic.  More of a token planting than anything really substantial. I just had to get them in before the winter solstice so they'll be ready by summer solstice.  We shall see.

I'm also working in our workshop trying to figure out what to have for our friends this Christmas.  No matter how many months we ponder and urge ourselves to get going on the planning, it always boils down to the last week, with distant friends knowing that gifts will be "off-season".  Oh why do we feel locked into this gift giving only at one time of the year??? Not everyone, of course, but my oh my it's like a freight train is barreling down on us. v laughed when I told him I used to start in June getting ready for Christmas.  He's finally understanding why.  So, we do have some things tucked aside to fill packages with. It's just that the season being upon us throws so much more inspiration our way.  It's hard to imagine bright packages of red, green, gold, and silver under a sparkly tree when your watching for whales across the bay in July, really.

Happily, however, the shop is painted its bright and cheerful colors.  That's one package already wrapped.

Oh! and another, surprise, gift!  My photo of v on the trail in Elkhorn Slough was chosen to be featured in their 2014 calendar!  My first published image! (that I know of)

We are September!

In bocca al lupo.  m & v

Maybe....?

We're being considered for a calendar photo!  I submitted this shot that I featured last February after a great hike at Elkhorn Slough.  My first time submitting and getting a "consideration" notice.  Whoo-Hoo!

I have no idea when we'll finally know the outcome, but I will keep this site posted for anyone interested.

In bocca al lupo.  m & v

Sunrise in Moss Landing

We needed to do something different for a change of pace.  v has been having a very hard time with the chemo this round.  He has five days of pills left before his week's break.  A CT scan is scheduled for Thursday and we hope so much that the cancer has gone into remission so he can stop having to take all those pills.  He'll still have to have the infusions, but only one, instead of three, medications every three weeks.  

So, what did we do that was different?  We arose before dawn and headed out with the camera in search of a location to photograph. We ended up in Moss Landing at sunrise.  It was cold.  34 degrees F.  For the Central Coast of California that is really cold.

We watched the little tug pull the barge with the crane on it across the channel.  I can't really tell you what else they were doing.  It looked as though they transferred one, fairly small, piece of equipment onto a boat.  In the background is the Moss Landing PG&E plant that provides our electricity.  Behind the plant is the Elkhorn Slough.

We met a few other hardy souls out walking their dogs.  I think some folks live on their boats here.  It would be fun for a while, I think.  I'd enjoy being rocked to sleep.  And then there is that thought of just pulling up the anchor and heading off to another local.

This is one that v took a liking to.  A little spare for me, and possibly in need of too much TLC.

Phil's Fish Market is a local landmark.  During business hours this place is always busy.  Moss Landing is a small seaside town, but it is right on Hwy 1.  It's a favorite stop for tourists, MBARI and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory are right along the same stretch (well, face it, it's the only stretch).  There are still a few funky residences but it looks like a small artists colony is sprouting.

There are far more boats than buildings in Moss Landing.  I noticed many boats are registered in San Francisco.

It is a tranquil spot for a spur of the moment sunrise ramble.

In bocca al lupo.  m & v

Slough Walk

We went for a walk at the Elkhorn Slough on Thursday.  It is such a beautiful and important environment. For decades it had been drained for use as farmland, but it is now being restored.  It is hugely important as a habitat for migrating birds, for fish, sea otters, and the mud dwelling invertabrates.  It is very important for flood control as well.  Visit ElkhornSlough.org for more information.

There are numerous trails to choose from. We chose to take the lagoon trail.  It was around 2.5 miles. There are longer and shorter routes and we're hoping to take them all.  v has been doing so well since starting his chemo fifteen weeks ago. He'll be starting round six shortly.  We remain optimistic.

The lagoon trail was the best for viewing the birds we were assured. On our tour there weren't numerous birds, but there was a beautiful snowy egret busily grubbing a meal and I love seeing ducks in a row.

What a truly peaceful way to spend a morning or an afternoon.

In bocca al lupo.  m & v